'm really glad she did the interview although I thought some of Barbara's questions were dumb. I am 100% for Martha Stewart and wish there was something I could do for her. I will email Atty Gen Ashcroft and USAtty Comey. What else can we do that will really make a difference? She brings happiness and positive things to this crazy world! I think she's a super neat lady.
Judy Purnell
I think this was a great move. Martha has been such an unapproachable icon in the eyes of the public. I don't think many people have ever seen her as down-to-earth and as human as she was tonight in this interview. I think the majority of the public see her as the multi-million dollar corporation and not as a person, and for that reason have come to see her as the enemy, which she is not. I think more people will be coming to her defense after tonight's show. She answered each and every one of Barbara's questions with such dignity and grace. She truly showed America what a classy lady she really is.
Ophelia J. Murray
I think this attack on Martha Stewart is completely unfair. She is being made an example of because she is a successful, strong woman! I guess they will be after Oprah next. Martha is an inspiration to millions of woman and has taught so many of us to live the best life we can. I hope she will be found innocent and can get back to doing what she does best, Teaching us how to live better and be better! I miss Martha!!!!
I feel frustration, that she has to go through
this ordeal, it's such a farce. I'm not sure if
Barbara Walters was the right venue. Perhaps
someone more in her corner. Larry King might have
been a better choice at least he would have been
more sympathetic. However I feel she came accross as a strong woman who will play the cards
she's dealt and survive no matter what.
The 20/20 interview only reinforced my belief that Martha is innocent. I believe it is a scapegoat case - bringing down Martha to teach large corporations a lesson. The judicial system is so messed up these days -- this is not a case for a jury or prison time. No wonder our prisons are full! They put people in prison for the wrong reasons all the time. The punishment should fit the crime, in this case, if she is found guilty, which I know she won't be, she shouldn't face prison time, but only face a monetary fine at the most! That is what this all comes down to in the end, how much money she saved by selling her shares, so let the punishment fit the crime! I was very impressed with her composure in the interview, she is one remarkable woman. If I were on the jury, I would not find her guilty.
Susan
I give her a lot of credit. I really think that with her being so wealthy; to blow IT all for $40,00.00? Come on! I do feel that the prosecuters are trying to make her a public example. I just wish that she hadn't made a deal with K-mart, since I would never shop there, personally. She should have made a deal with Linens & Things! I will continue to purchase her products thru the web (would NEVER step foot in a K-mart or Walmart, for that matter). Me and my family will continue to watch her TV shows. She is a very intelligent and talented individual, why should her credit to success be abolished? Martha, keep your chin up!
Sharon
I have to say that I felt much sympathy for Martha! She has brought much pride and enjoyment to my life as a homemaker!! I found it quite ironic that during a commercial break there was an add for the Jessica Lynch story in which she herself says that the GOVERMENT!!!!! made much more of a story out of her capture then there really was!! GEE!!! Do ya' think they could be making MOUNTAINS out of MOLE hills when it comes to Martha? I think the reason she is being so attacted is because she is a WOMAN and very successful and that the people that are out to see her brought down are either in it for there own "Look at me" or are quite simply JEALOUS!!! I felt my 7 year old daughter said it all when she said "Mommy, it's none of that ladies business (speaking of Barbara Walters)!!! It really is a SMALL thing that got attention ONLY because of who Martha is in a mans world!!! Walk a mile in her shoes FELLA!! I live in Phoenix Arizona and after the taping a poll was taken with 58 percent of the viewers believe Martha will be found NOT GUILTY!! My families prayers are with you Martha!
Your loyal fan, Kathy Cudar
I thought it was a wonderful interview. I beleive it showed those who watched that Martha is a real person with feelings and that she is not easily pushed around. I am happy that she is still standing strong as always. There are a lot of people that do not like her but she should be respected for where she has come form and what she has accomplished. You Go Martha!!!!
Melissa
I think Martha conducted herself intelligently and with grace. Barbara kind interviewing made this possible for her. I thought her statement on at her age, you don't have time for a hiatis from her life is so true. All my good wishes go to Martha. I hope it all clears up.
Debbie
Martha, I wouldn't want to be in your shoes. I'm glad I don't have lots of money, and I NEVER thought I would say that! ha. I am glad I don't have huge power, when some days I want more control over my life and those around me. And, lastly, I am glad I have the good sense to say prayers each night, to get help from the best boss in heaven. I don't know if you believe in praying, so I'll say one for you tonight. My best, Shirley.
Bravo Martha, you did it. A surperb interview. You stoodfirm and never flinched. You are great and you will prevail because you are a good person, and God is behind all that is good. I love you and pray for you. Stay cool, keep your head held high and go on with what you always did. Paula Bilodeau. P.S. your mother reminds me of my mother. My mom is 80 and and her mom came here from Poland. She watches your mom all the time especially cooking Polish meals. Love you
I didn't know what to think of Martha Stewart before this 20/20 interview, but now I am leaning towards her side. She seems genuinely up front and a tell-it-like-it-is kind of lady. I think she is innocent. Why would a smart lady such as herself risk a billion-dollar empire for $40,000? It makes no sense. I also think there is some "Let's teach that little lady a lesson" mentality here as well, just like Oprah and the beef thing a few years ago. A woman with too much power and money is a target, in my opinion.
So, Martha, if you're reading this, don't let them get you down. I have a feeling this will all be over soon and you will be back to your old creative self again in the near future.
Jan Lyon
Longview, TX
Barbara Walters was very fair with questions for Martha. Martha was as professional about the answers as she is on her TV show...cool, calm, and collected. I believe because she is a self-made successful business woman in a "man's world" she was railroaded just like Oprah, and other wealthy women. Not only wealthy women are targets of the jealous less successful corporations, but look what they tried to do to Bill Gates. Without him I wouldn't be writing this e-mail. These people worked hard for what they gave to the public and they earned every dollar and deserve to keep their money. It's a real shame that our government is against the successful business woman. The government takes our tax money and gives it away to people who do not deserve it. Martha did nothing wrong so she should not be prosecuted. I love her programs and have watched her for years. She's a beautiful woman, the kind of homemaker I always wanted to be. I am 67 years old and will continue to watch her programs until I die. If they take her off the air I will just watch her programs I've taped over the years. And I will always keep and reread the Martha Stewart Living magazines I have saved.
Hang in there Martha, we're praying for you!
Barbara B Harris
I thought Ms. Stewart handled herself in an extremely calm and poised manner, answering Barbara Walters' questions honestly and openly. I am in full support of Martha, because she did nothing wrong. Why should a woman like herself be punished for simply calling in to her company while on vacation? I would vote innocent if I were on the jury. I love and respect her, and want this mess to be put behind her!
I love Martha Stewart, no matter if she is guilty or not!!! I do not believe that she is guilty---why would she risk her 1 billion empire for $40,000.
I watch her show almost every day and I love every minute of it. I think there are a lot more important issues in this world to persue other than this. I think she is being unfairly attacked just because some individuals are jealous of her success. It is rare to see an individual of her motivation in this day and age and I believe she should be congratulated for her efforts in making homemakers, which is overall a thankless job, feel that their place is a worthwhile effort. In fact, there are too many mothers today who do not try at all to raise their own children and create a good home environment for their family, and the women that do make the effort and succeed, not only at home, but in the workplace need to be commended all the more. It is a very delicate balance and Martha Stewart gives the women that try to do it all someone to look up to to keep on giving it their all because it is one of the most important things. Giving our children, our future generation, a good home and standards is something we should all concentrate on. Leave her alone!! Everyone has made a decision in their lives, with the best intentions in mind, that has been misconstrued and judged without asking why that decision might have been made. We cannot judge until we have walked a mile in her shoes. Martha is still human.
tiffany boaldin
I was never a Martha Stewart fan but I couldn't help but feel sorry for her. With all the corporate scandals, like Enron and Worldcom, that hurt hundreds of thousands of people, I can't believe how the government is going after this woman. Maybe that's the problem - she's a woman. Someone is looking to make a career move by convicting her. I cannot believe Martha would risk a billion dollar industry plus her reputation to make a lousy forty thousand dollars. Go, Martha!
Jackie Ruark
I thought that Ms. Walters tried pretty hard to get Martha to break down on camera, but being the Martha that we all know and love she handled the interview very well. I'm rooting for you Martha to come out of this with flying colors. The interview as far as I'm concerned ended with me praying more for Martha to be found innocent.
I thought Martha was her usual classy self...Ithink alot of people are jealous of her sucess...yes I would
be very sympathetic if I were on the jury....Maybe some day my wife and I will get to meet her...what a real treat that would be for us
good luck Martha
DAVID&HOLLY IVY
we love you
I was concerned about how the interview might be perceived by the general public...however I thought the interview went well. Of course I am behind Ms. Stewart 100 percent...I feel she is probably a victim and due to her status in the corporate world and of course being a female many will still think negatively about her. All I can say is "you go girl!" I am going to Kmart tomorrow and buying all "Martha Stewart" brand Christmas gifts for all my friends.
Vivian Hinton
I have always enjoyed Martha Stewart and love the gardening products and It is such a shame that she has ended up in this mess. The interview I felt was a bit shallow and staged. The interview did not impress me and believe me I am a big fan of hers. I just hope that she does not go to prison though. Thank you, S.J.
I have great admiration for Martha Stewart and her decision to be interviewed during such a difficult time in her life. I felt her answers were sincere and even funny when she expressed her appreciation for a clean way to obtain finger prints!
I can relate to the hostility that some insecure people dish out to successful people, particularly successful women. I was a Captain for a Major Airline, and while most people were happy for my success, there were always a few people just waiting to take you down a notch.
I hope Martha Stewart is able to put this behind her soon and I would love to see a return of her morning television program.
Tia Robertson
I thought that Martha was very candid and truthful surrounding this conterversy. I do agree with her if it were a man in this position all the flack would not be happening. She is in a very terrible position and I hope that justice pervails for her. I am from Canada, in a small village just near the American border called Lansdowne Ontario. I have been an avid fan of Martha Stewarts because like her I come from a large family and we were taught all the crafty and cooking skills from our Mother and Grandmother. Like her I too strive for perfection and you know it wins out. Good Luck in your case and God willing evetything will work out for you
Tracy Kirkland
Martha Stewart is a person to be revered. She has taken homemaking and made it a value. In a sense she is a little old fashioned. I say that because it was a value once upon a time. Did we have drug addiction problems when there was a homemaker creating a loving haven for her family? Did people go around shooting each other or were they home enjoying the delicious meals prepared in homes that were in tact. The loving warmth in a person's heart knowing that at home it was clean, interesting, organized and that there was a promise of a favorite meal awaiting them at the end of the day is a value.
The reason why she was so successful was that there is a dire need for what Martha Stewart teaches on her program. And she is an excellent teacher. She should be put on a pedestal. In my book she is an American icon. I don't know how anyone could bring so much harm to her. I hope it's not because our male population can't understand how she did it...how she rose to the top. I hope that it's not to further one's career.
It's true that the woman's movement led women to believe that becoming a CEO was where it was at; of course, some of that is okay. However, people still have to have a good meal. Homes have to be attractive. There has to be organization so there is not chaos. And Martha picked up on that and showed us how especially those who lost that in their lives because there was no one to teach them. I am a very adept seasoned homemaker and teacher, and she taught me plenty.
Our country needs Martha.